A WOMAN who became a learning champion despite serious health problems is inspiring families to take part in a learning week.

Allison Munro, 38, from Redcar, was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago and underwent a mastectomy.

As well as coping with her own illness, Ms Munro's youngest son contracted meningitis and was diagnosed with autism, leaving him with disturbed sleeping patterns, which meant he rarely slept for more than two hours at a time.

Despite these obstacles, Ms Munro was determined to go back into learning so that she could help her children with their homework.

She has since secured a number of computing qualifications and became a Tees Valley Learning Champion earlier this year.

She hopes her experience will be an inspiration to other adult learners and their families during Family Learning Week 2004 which runs throughout this week.

She said: "The course I took really helped me to boost my confidence. We now do much more together as a family, for example, I can help with homework whereas before I would find it a struggle.

"I would urge anyone thinking about going back into learning for the sake of their family to give it a go."

Family Learning Week is organised by the Campaign for Learning to raise awareness of the opportunities that families have to learn together with the aim of improving family life.

There will be courses on offer in the North-East, including football coaching, cookery for dads and granddads, cake decoration, circus skills and caricature drawing.

For further details of the activities being organised in your area, log on to www.familylearningweek.com or call 0800 100 900.